What is your initial response to life’s rough patches? Oh no! Why me? Why now? Did I do something wrong? Has God forgotten about me? Do any of these responses sound familiar? I’ve had similar reactions and understand how tough seasons in life can push you off the “deep end.”
But, before you plunge too deep into the waters of despair, let me offer this reminder: “And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT). Everything that happens to you must be approved by God, first! Further, He won’t allow anything you can’t handle.
Job is a great example of how God is informed about everything we experience. While the rough spell may have been a surprise to Job, God was “in the loop.” Satan had to get permission from God to attack Job. God knew Job would lose all of his wealth, most of his family, and his health, but He still said yes. Why? He knew Job could pass the test with flying colors.
You may be in a rough place, but remember that God allowed it. If He allowed it, then He has faith in you to succeed. He’ll never set you up for failure. He’ll never give you more than you can handle!